Milan coach Stefano Pioli hopes to see Zlatan Ibrahimovic return to action before the end of the season but admits the Swede hasn’t decided whether he will continue for one more year.
Ibrahimovic’s contract runs out in the summer, but he has been struggling with injuries this season, especially in the second part of the campaign.
The 40-year-old has only started two Serie A games in 2022, missing five due to injuries. The ex-Manchester United star suffered a new knee problem earlier this week and will remain out of action for circa 10 days.
“Ibra will remain out for a week, ten days. We hope he can return for the final part of the season,” Pioli said at a press conference.
“Ante Rebic and Ismael Bennacer are available, they can be either start or be introduced during the game.”
The Rossoneri host Genoa tomorrow on the back of two successive 0-0 draws against Bologna and Torino. Olivier Giroud will once again start for the Rossoneri who are the table leaders with a two-point lead over Inter.
However, Simone Inzaghi’s men have a game in hand and could jump to the top of the table if they beat Bologna on April 27.
Pioli was also asked whether Ibrahimovic is considering retiring at the end of the season.
“Everyone can have physical problems, he is dealing with a knee issue now. We hope he can return before the end of the season.
“As for his future, I don’t think something has changed. I am sure he will make the best choice, and we’ll back him regardless of what he decides.”
LIVE MN – Pioli: "Rebic e Bennacer sono recuperati. Scudetto? Ci crediamo perchè siamo forti" https://t.co/u8xot0YrqL
— MilanNews.it (@MilanNewsit) April 14, 2022
Let me translate that: “we’re not paying you 7mil to spend most of you time on the treatment table “.
Wise.
It pains me to say it, but time seems to have caught up with Ibra’s body. The fact he earns 7 million a year and never plays makes it a double whammy. We could pay 2 players wages with what he earns. Love you Zlatan!
He was done a long time ago. He is a good salesman and has pulled the wool over Milan Managements eyes. I hope that keep him going as they would take some money off the table to buy other players. Go Inter Go! LOL
R.Bonora…done a long time ago??!!! Please…button your lip…you know not what you are talking about. Without Ibra the last 2 seasons (not this season)…Milan would not have finished as high as they did in the standings. He was the difference maker.
Jesus Mary and Joseph just retire, I’m sick of seeing serie a look like the MlS of Europe, so sentimental and mental. We need to build for the future with youth and ITALIAN youth, something our league is to chicken nugget to do, pathetic how fans even debate this tbh he was great and will never be forgotten but Jesus christ he is 41! This isn’t some chick flick for god sake this is the future of our football at stake here. Wake up
Why not make some room for Marco Nasti? Start giving him a go next season, at least let him come into to the squad and give him minutes. But what the gutless manager will do is say “ahh he is italian and tooooo young so that’s scary no no no troppo scary” that’s the mentally of our duff league, talk too much about players that can even run anymore but players with a potentially exciting future no…. especially if they are Italian… Traitors and cowards
Can you believe Lorenzo Colombo is still playing in serie B
Italian coaches are the problem. The mentality is not good